Edge Nodes add decentralized video encoding to support Theta Video API
We’re excited to announce today that Theta Edge Nodes now support video encoding and transcoding for Theta Video API! This means two major improvements: Edge Nodes have the opportunity to earn more TFUEL, and Theta Video API (TVA) is more decentralized.
There are more than 100k Edge Nodes running today, performing the decentralized video distribution that is at the core of the Theta Network. However, one of the most common feedbacks from node operators is that they want more opportunities to earn TFUEL tokens for completing the work of the network. In addition to adding more network partners to generate demand for Edge Nodes, another way to grow the network is to expand the types of productive work that Edge Nodes can do. Edge Nodes have previously been able to use their spare CPU to encode and transcode livestream video for THETA.tv. Now this ability is expanded to support all Theta Video API encoding jobs, from Theta video partners like Rewarded TV, OpenTheta, and Passaways. Note, TVA jobs will initially only be available to Elite Edge Nodes with TFUEL staked.
EENs can encode videos with NFT DRM, the revolutionary technology that Theta introduced to allow content creators full control over the videos they release. NFT DRM means access to the content is verifiable and irrevocable on-chain in the form of an immutable NFT.
Theta Video API will also now support resolutions from 240p up to 1080p, with EENs performing the multi-bitrate encoding to the selected bitrates. For videos using NFT DRM, EENs can perform encoding and transcoding of these videos to other bitrates without affecting the underlying NFT-controlled access.
TFUEL earnings from these new encoding and transcoding jobs will be displayed in the Edge Node app just as other rewards are, and distributed monthly.
The rollout of this upgrade has already begun for MacOS, Windows, as well as the docker image for Linux to Edge Node version 3.3.12. No action is required for Mac and Windows Edge Node users as the app will be updated automatically. Linux users need to download a new docker image available here. We look forward to many more Edge Nodes running with increased earnings going forward!
